Which face cream can you use during pregnancy?

Which kind of moisturizer should you choose?

A gel feels lighter than a cream, so shopping for a face cream does not have to end with the thickest thing in the bathroom.2

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are moisturizing ingredients to look for. For dry or sensitive skin, avoid fragrance and choose a product labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to block pores. Natural and organic ingredients can still aggravate allergies. These are general moisturizer selection tips; the complete formula still needs a pregnancy ingredient check.2

Which ingredients should you avoid?

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy, including retinol, tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. Avoid hydroquinone, a skin lightening ingredient. If you are trying to become pregnant, arrange a review of your medications and prescription skincare rather than waiting until pregnancy is confirmed.1

Discuss benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid above 2% with your dermatologist, and limit their use during pregnancy. Also discuss products containing parabens, phthalates, phenol, triclosan or essential oils. These ingredients belong in a separate discussion from the avoid list: some have limited use guidance, while others lack enough pregnancy research.1

How should you use face cream during pregnancy?

1. 1Cleanse gently up to twice daily and after sweating.
2. 2Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to help trap water. For excessively dry skin, choose a moisturizer you can use at least twice daily.
3. 3During the day, protect exposed skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Choose zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both to reduce irritation during pregnancy, and also use shade and protective clothing.

If your face is dry and peeling, moisturize rather than exfoliating the flakes away. Alpha hydroxy acids can further strip dry skin of moisture. An ingredient being usable during pregnancy does not mean it is the right choice for irritated skin.2

What if your face cream also treats acne?

Treat an acne cream as a treatment, not just a moisturizer. Azelaic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide and low concentration salicylic acid are topical options used during pregnancy. Pregnancy safety data are limited, and benzoyl peroxide still needs a discussion about restricted use. Avoid high concentration salicylic acid and topical retinoids.13

Acne often gets worse early in pregnancy and improves as pregnancy progresses, although severe flares can continue throughout pregnancy. A plain moisturizer is not an acne treatment. Severe acne can need prescribed treatment, including selected antibiotics, so ask a dermatologist about pregnancy appropriate options rather than restarting an old prescription.23

Will face cream help pregnancy dark patches?

Pregnancy can cause melasma, darker patches on the face, especially around the cheeks, nose and eyes. Sunlight can darken these changes, so sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing matter. Most pregnancy related color changes fade within a few months after birth, although some freckles remain.4

Vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening can help with changes in skin color. Keep these treatments separate from choosing a basic moisturizer, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive.12

How do you check a cream before buying?

Read the ingredient list, directions and warnings for the actual product. Retail cosmetics must carry an ingredient list. For online purchases, the list can be available on the website, in a catalog, with the shipment or separately on request. If you cannot find it before buying, request it so you can check the ingredients you need to avoid.5

Ordinary cosmetic creams do not require FDA approval before sale. Manufacturers are responsible for their safety when used as directed. Cosmetics and acne treatments fall into different regulatory categories, even when their jars look equally committed to beige. Sunscreens and acne treatments are regulated as drugs, or as both drugs and cosmetics.5

When does dryness or itching need medical help?

See a dermatologist if moisturizing does not help, or dryness becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating. More cream is not always the answer; you can need prescription treatment and changes to your routine.2

Contact your pregnancy care provider for persistent itching without a rash. This can indicate cholestasis, a potentially serious pregnancy condition. Creams can soothe some pregnancy rashes, but avoid perfumed products, and do not start an antihistamine on your own without discussing it with your provider.6